Concerns Raised Following Charlie Kirk’s Assassination at Utah Valley University
Two months after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University, the university’s security chief has pointed out significant flaws in event coordination and security measures.
Brian Harpole, a seasoned law enforcement professional and founder of Integrity Security Solutions, discussed on “The Sean Ryan Show” the issues his team encountered before the event on September 10. He mentioned that worries about exposed rooftops, drone rules, and insufficient staffing were communicated repeatedly.
“We were assured that the roof was secure,” Harpole remarked. “The chief said, ‘I’ve got you covered.’ I trusted his word.”
Harpole expressed his frustration, stating, “I couldn’t act outside the law, so I sought help from the police, but no one responded.”
Witness Talks About Security Lapses
Harpole also highlighted past experiences that influenced his security requests, recalling an event in San Francisco where protestors overwhelmed barriers, leaving his team to fight their way out with minimal police assistance.
“We are familiar with the risks,” he reiterated. “In San Francisco, we faced blocked exit routes and chaos. It underscores how quickly situations can spiral out of control.”
Given those past encounters, he had argued for enhanced security measures in Utah. “We pointed out that the venue was outdoors, surrounded by elevated areas, and needed better monitoring. Yet, we were told they would handle it.”
Questions Emerge Over Security Protocols
Harpole reported that his team had brought in 12 contractors, nearly twice the usual number, but constraints meant they could only operate within a limited area around the stage.
“We couldn’t intervene beyond a certain point,” he explained. “Law enforcement had the authority for arrests and managing university buildings.”
He mentioned that the Orem Police Department, equipped with drones and a SWAT team, was never asked for aid, even though a mutual cooperation agreement existed. “They later informed us they were never summoned,” he added.
Urgent Calls for Better Safety Measures
Harpole specifically noted concerns about student access to rooftops where the stage was clearly visible. “It was so precise that shooting from just a few feet away could have been deadly,” he said.
His team had intended to deploy drones for oversight, but requests were denied due to FAA restrictions and campus policies. “This isn’t a war zone; we couldn’t position sharpshooters or use drones as we intended,” he remarked.
Investigation Progressing Amid Safety Reassessments
Integrity had coordinated with UVU for about two weeks, relying on campus police for roof surveillance due to jurisdictional limitations. Harpole lamented that the promised resources were lacking.
“This situation illustrates what happens when authority lines are blurred,” he stated. “We were unable to act outside our boundaries, and those authorized to act were, well, ineffective.”
In terms of previously implemented safety measures, he pointed out that although they established multiple security zones and used barricades, these efforts failed to cover police inadequacies effectively.
Currently, the Utah Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation, with prosecutors charging 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson with capital murder and indicating intentions to seek the death penalty.
University’s Response to Tragedy
UVU officials confirmed an internal review of shooting protocols is underway. A statement from the university noted, “An independent, thorough third-party evaluation will soon be revealed, aimed at enhancing campus safety and security policies.” The review and findings are intended to not only benefit the university but the broader community as well.
The university underscored the important role of police in maintaining safety and values. “University police enforce laws while promoting respect, integrity, and inclusivity,” the statement highlighted.
In light of the incident, UVU announced the hiring of eight additional police officers and two new security managers to improve support during campus events.
Harpole emphasized the importance of sharing lessons learned from this tragedy. “Just laying out the facts is crucial,” he said. “If there are mistakes, they should be addressed to prevent future occurrences.”
UVU’s ongoing review is expected to pave the way for new safety policies and enhanced staffing for increased event security in Utah’s educational institutions.
